Joseph Lindon Smith (Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 1863 - 1950, Dublin, New Hampshire)
Gaston de Foix, about 1894
Watercolor on paper, 38 x 53 cm (14 15/16 x 20 7/8 in.)
This is a watercolor painting which depicts a high relief tomb effigy of the knight Gaston de Foix. The painting shows the head and chest area of the knight who is lying in repose, as in death, and is awash in pale green, pink, orange, yellow, and gray. His short bangs and hair have a squarish appearance and are represented with thick heavy symmetrical lines. A floral branch is draped across his head. The knight’s eyes and mouth are closed in a composed and lifeless manner, and his head rests on a pillow edged with filigree. A life-like tassel hangs from one corner of the pillow. A garland is draped over his shoulders and chest. The name Gaston De Foix is printed in large, pale- blue letters above the figure of the knight. The name Joseph Lindon Smith- in small dark letters- appears on the top right.
Yellow Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.